Category: istaknuta

Third pilot in Serbia strengthens the region’s industrial transformation

Novi Sad, Serbia, October 23, 2025 – Marera Industrial Park Pobeda is the latest site to join the Eco-Industrial Parks (EIP) initiative, a regional effort to modernize industry while reducing environmental impact. Located near Novi Sad, with Free Zone status and strong logistics connectivity, Pobeda is set to become a model of how private-sector leadership can support sustainable, future-ready industrial development.

Led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in partnership with the European Union (EU) and Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), private and government sectors, the initiative supports a series of pilot projects in WB, helping local businesses reduce emissions, improve resource use, and attract responsible investment.

“Our joint efforts are helping the Western Balkans become a more competitive, climate-conscious region,” said Mr. Mauro Di Veroli, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Serbia. “By working toward alignment with European environmental standards, we’re supporting long-term resilience and unlocking new economic opportunities.”

The EIP approach encourages companies located within the same industrial zone to share services and resources, implement more efficient production methods, and reduce collective environmental impact while enhancing the economic potential of the site.

“We are proud that Marera Industrial Park Pobeda is becoming part of this regional green transition,” said Bojan Ljubičić, Portfolio Director, Marera Properties which operates the park. “This partnership reinforces our long-term vision to create industrial zones that attracts high-quality investors, and contribute to innovation, sustainability, and job creation in the local community.”

Pobeda will benefit from IFC technical assistance, support in regulatory alignment, and participation in capacity-building activities aimed at park management and tenant companies including training on resource efficiency, ESG, and industrial symbiosis.

“By joining the EIP initiative, Pobeda becomes part of a growing regional effort to decarbonize industry and enhance competitiveness,” said Mr. Bodin Bulatović, IFC Country Manager for Serbia. “Our role is to provide the technical expertise and support that enables local industrial zones to meet international sustainability standards.”

Pobeda joins MIND Park in Kragujevac and the greenfield site in Šabac as the third pilot in Serbia. Additional locations are under development in Montenegro and Albania, with public and private actors increasingly recognizing the strategic value of eco-industrial development.

Aligned with policies such as the European Green Deal, Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, and the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans 2021-2027, the project aims to support industrial decarbonisation and the creation of sustainable and competitive industrial zones. The European Commission through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) has been instrumental in supporting projects like these across the region. 

At the foot of the Belgrade Fortress, where the spirit of old town still lingers, stands the Kalemegdan Business Center. Once a textile factory — abandoned and forgotten after the company shut down — the building has been carefully revitalized into a modern office facility that radiates elegance, functionality, and contemporary design. It is a place that preserves the character of another time while meeting the highest demands of today’s business world, offering many companies the ideal environment to pursue growth, success, and get inspired.

The history of this landmark structure stretches back to the early days of Belgrade’s industrial development. Built in 1931 as “BEKO” textile factory, the building’s author remains unknown, yet its striking appearance tells the story of the monumental and purposeful architecture of the interwar industrial era. For decades, this imposing and massive structure embodied the industrial spirit of Belgrade’s past.

Years after it lost its original function, the building gradually succumbed to the ravages of time. A key turning point came in 2018, when Marera Properties lead a comprehensive reconstruction project and redefined the purpose of the structure. The result is today’s Kalemegdan Business Center — a modern Class A office complex spanning seven floors and covering a total area of 17,000 square meters.

To ensure the success of the revitalization, it was essential to preserve the building’s original character and its historical and architectural value while also adapting it to the needs of the contemporary business community. The location itself posed a particular challenge—being in the immediate vicinity of the Belgrade Fortress required strict compliance with high cultural heritage protection standards. In addition, the building’s structural constraints presented a range of technical challenges. Despite these, the project succeeded in incorporating all modern infrastructure systems, including power sourced from renewable energy, significantly reducing the building’s carbon footprint.

The classicist elements of the façade were preserved to maintain harmony with the historic aesthetic of the Dorcol neighborhood. The interior, once an industrial hall, has been reimagined into a space comprising private offices, coworking zones, and conference facilities — all executed to Class A standards. Stylistically striking and designed for maximum functionality, the space enables high productivity for the wide variety of businesses that now call it home.

One of the standout features of the reconstruction is the glass annex—a light, respectful addition that honors the proportions of the original building. Stretching along the top of the structure is a spacious rooftop terrace offering sweeping views of the fortress, rivers, and riverbanks.

Despite the many challenges the building has faced over nearly a century, today the Kalemegdan Business Center stands as a successful example of how historical industrial structures can be redefined and elevated in meaning for both the business and local communities, as well as the city’s heritage. Numerous respected companies from some of the most progressive industries have established themselves here, finding in Kalemegdan Business Center a dynamic, inspiring work environment ideal for networking, collaboration, and growth. Moreover, the revived micro-location has become a driver of local economic development, supported daily by more than 1,500 employees working at one of the city’s most prestigious business addresses.

In just seven years of operation, Marera Properties has successfully revitalized 100,000 square meters of office space in central Belgrade. This achievement has positioned the company as a leader in brownfield office projects, actively contributing to the city’s urban renewal. Kalemegdan Business Center is a key example of this strategy — showing how cultural heritage can be successfully integrated into a contemporary business context, shaping a new business culture for the city.

Belgrade, March 26, 2025

Marera Properties, part of the Marera Group, has established itself as one of the key investors in the investment and renovation of business properties in Serbia, with a particular focus on preserving the architectural heritage of Belgrade. Over the past seven years, the company has revitalized 100,000 m² of space, transforming it into modern, energy-efficient business environments. Through carefully selected investments and an innovative approach to real estate development, Marera creates workspaces across three commercial property classes: office, retail, and industrial, that meet the needs of modern companies.

Marera’s business model is built on sustainability principles, modern renovation approaches, and the implementation of ecological technologies. This includes improving the energy efficiency of properties, using renewable energy sources, which is a prerequisite for obtaining BREEAM certification. Through its portfolio, the company not only revitalizes urban spaces but also actively contributes to the development of a business environment that connects historical heritage with modern solutions.

We spoke with Bojan Ljubičić, Portfolio Director at Marera Properties, about managing their 200,000 m² portfolio.

Sustainable Energy and Ecological Standards

What are the sustainability principles you’ve identified as key to managing your 200,000 m² portfolio?

The sustainability of our portfolio is based on an integrated approach that covers ecological, economic, and social impacts. After successfully reconstructing 100,000 m² of office space in the city center, we have not only improved the quality of the properties but also enhanced the urban environment, economically empowered the local community, and enabled the creation of quality, sustainable workspaces.

We believe that business properties should be more than just workspaces – they can contribute to the broader community. That’s why we have opened our spaces for initiatives that have a positive social impact, such as voluntary blood donation drives, support for people with disabilities, and collaboration with the Red Cross in distributing humanitarian aid. These projects are part of our sustainability strategy, which extends beyond the physical boundaries of the properties and directly contributes to the quality of life in the community.

Green energy is becoming a key element in corporate sustainability strategies. How does Marera Properties use sustainable energy sources in its portfolio?

Marera Properties is committed to ecological responsibility, with the goal of offsetting the negative CO₂ footprint of its operations by investing in green energy projects. Since May of last year, our entire portfolio is powered by electricity from certified renewable sources. This move allows us to procure green energy, which has a double effect: reducing the environmental impact and ensuring a sustainable supply chain. The agreement to use electricity from renewable sources also enables us to obtain green energy consumption certificates, which offer numerous benefits to our tenants. These certificates confirm that the supply chain is in line with ESG standards, and purchasing certified green energy supports renewable energy projects, including hydropower, wind, and solar energy.

Palata Beograd is preparing for BREEAM certification. How important is this process for ensuring and increasing the value of a property, as well as attracting investors?

BREEAM certification is one of the most important indicators of sustainability and the quality of business properties. Through preparatory steps for certification, such as optimizing energy efficiency, improving ecological standards, and increasing green areas, Palata Beograd has already significantly raised its market value. These standards not only guarantee lower operating costs but also send a clear signal to investors that the property is sustainable in the long run and attractive for investment. When Palata Beograd, located in the city center, features 2,000 m² of green spaces, which were created through a responsible renovation project, it’s an additional sign that sustainability standards, both inside and around the property, align with BREEAM norms. Our goal is for all properties in our portfolio to obtain certification according to BREEAM and WELL standards by 2027.

In parallel with the certification of properties, you are starting your first solar power project within the portfolio. What is the long-term plan for renewable energy sources?

Our goal is to gradually increase the share of renewable energy sources in our portfolio, reducing operating costs and CO₂ emissions. In the first phase, we will implement a “prosumer” model within our retail properties, which will allow us to produce as much energy as we consume. Initially, solar panels will be installed on the roof of our retail park in Zemun – Forum Park. By the end of 2026, solar panels will be installed on the roofs of Forum Shopping Center in Niš and Kalemegdan Business Center in Belgrade. This will optimize costs for both the portfolio and tenants. Additionally, by the end of 2028, we plan to start producing electricity through the “producer” model, which we would offer to the market. Through the implementation of these projects, by 2028, we aim to reduce CO₂ emissions by 21,000 tons annually, which is a significant reduction that our entire portfolio can achieve.

Sustainability is not only about energy efficiency but also responsible resource use.

Every initiative for responsible resource use contributes to our decarbonization strategy. For example, we use a rainwater collection system on our properties, which allows us to significantly reduce the use of potable water for irrigating green spaces, optimizing resources and further improving the ecological performance of the properties. The industrial park Pobeda uses its green spaces to set up beehives, and the mowed grass is regularly donated to the local equestrian club. There is always the possibility of recycling and circular use of primary resources, and this is one of the areas we actively focus on.

Financing the Green Transition

When all properties are energy-efficient, it opens up opportunities for green loans. How do you assess the market’s readiness for such financial models, and what are the obstacles?

Green loans are a logical next step in the development of the sustainable real estate market, but their wider application depends on regulatory support and the interest of financial institutions. Currently, there is growing interest in financial instruments that support ESG standards, but it is necessary to further educate the market and develop clear criteria for their implementation.

What financial instruments do you consider key to promoting green construction and sustainable infrastructure?

In addition to green loans, incentives for energy-efficient projects and various funds that support sustainable investments play a significant role. It is important for the financial sector to actively cooperate with investors to enable favorable conditions for the development of sustainable projects.

Marera Tomorrow

How do you see Marera Properties at the end of the green transition?

At the end of the green transition, we see the company as having achieved CO₂ neutrality at all levels, as a leader in sustainable property management, with a portfolio that fully uses renewable energy sources, applies the highest energy efficiency standards, and actively contributes to the development of the green economy. Our properties will not only be energy-efficient but also spaces that enhance the quality of work and life for our clients, while at the same time strengthening the local community through economic and social contributions and creating long-term value for all market participants.